The structure of the government in pre-colonial Igbo political system. - SS2 Government Lesson Note
The pre-colonial Igbo political system was mainly organized around the extended family or village level, and there was no centralized government or monarchy. The leaders of the Igbo political system were the elders or the council of elders, who were the most respected members of the community. The council of elders was responsible for maintaining law and order, settling disputes, and making decisions concerning the welfare of the village.
In addition to the council of elders, there were also secret societies that played a significant role in the political system. These societies were made up of initiated men of the community and had various functions, including maintaining law and order, settling disputes, and making important decisions.
The Igbo political system was highly decentralized, and decision-making was through consensus. Power and authority were distributed among various levels of society, and there was no centralized authority or monarch. The Igbo political system was characterized by a strong sense of community and collective decision-making, with decisions made through the involvement of the entire community.